Magdalena Müller in her first leading role in a musical: My life was transformed into Pretty Woman from Monday to Sunday

Magdalena Müller has taken on her first leading role in a musical with her portrayal of Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman, an adaptation of the 1990 film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The opportunity came after the sudden withdrawal of original cast member Carmen Zabala, prompting producers to seek a replacement. A meeting took place on June 29 at the Drugstore in Providencia, where Müller was approached by producer Maida Bulnes. The production had already enjoyed success during its initial run at the Municipal Theatre in Las Condes and was set to reopen at the Teatro San Ginés starting August. With just one month until the opening, Müller accepted the challenge despite initial hesitation. The role of Vivian Ward, originally played by Roberts, required Müller to undergo intense preparation. She admitted feeling both honored and nervous upon receiving the offer, noting the tight deadline made the task daunting. Müller explained she needed substantial support in vocal training, as she had not been actively performing in musicals for over a year and a half. Her previous experience in musical theatre had been limited to supporting roles in productions such as Quédate Conmigo and El Grinch. This marked a new milestone in her career. To meet the demands of the role, Müller immersed herself fully in the project. She attended four vocal lessons per week and dedicated time to mastering the script, songs, and choreography. She described how her life became consumed by the role, stating, “My life transformed into Pretty Woman from Monday to Sunday.” In the days leading up to the first rehearsal scheduled for July 6, she spent an entire weekend working through the material with her husband’s help. He assisted her in learning all the lines and even performed other characters so she could focus on her own performance. When asked about constructing her version of Vivian, Müller emphasized the character's playful nature and inner strength. She described Vivian as someone who dreams big and seeks love while navigating difficult circumstances. Drawing inspiration from Julia Roberts' portrayal in the film, as well as Zabala’s earlier interpretation, Müller aimed to infuse her own personality into the role. She acknowledged the comedic elements of the character and expressed enjoyment in bringing them to life. Discussing the differences between preparing for a musical versus other forms of acting, Müller noted that character development remained similar, but the added challenges of singing and dancing required additional focus. She highlighted the importance of vocal coaching and physical rehearsals, which were crucial given the short timeframe. Despite these hurdles, she viewed the experience as both exciting and transformative. Müller’s journey into the world of musical theatre has been marked by dedication and hard work. From her initial reluctance to the deep commitment she now shows, her transition into this new format reflects her versatility as an actress. As the production moves forward, audiences will have the chance to witness her interpretation of Vivian Ward, a character known for her charm, resilience, and dreamlike quality. The upcoming performances promise to showcase Müller’s growth and the collaborative efforts behind bringing Pretty Woman back to the stage.